Latest news with #EditorsChoice
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller: A Premium Gamepad Worth the $$$
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Just as the Nintendo Switch launched with the Switch Pro Controller to use in lieu of its detachable Joy-Con, the Switch 2 launches with the Switch 2 Pro Controller. Like the Switch 2 to the Switch, the $84.99 Switch 2 Pro Controller is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, with a higher price to match (the original Switch Pro is $69.99). It adds new features like programmable rear buttons and a headset jack that help justify the premium, along with several material refinements that give the gamepad a much more high-end feel. So while it's pricey, the Switch 2 Pro should be the first controller you reach for if you frequently use the system in docked mode, and that makes it our Editors' Choice award winner. If the name doesn't make it clear, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is intended to work with the Switch 2. It will not officially work with any other device, including the original Switch or a PC. However, enthusiasts will likely create some form of workaround to let it function as a PC gamepad. Official Steam support might come down the line, just like with the first Pro Controller. The Switch 2 Pro Controller looks similar to the original, with long grips and gentle curves that fit comfortably in your hand. Its shell is a satiny plastic that's smoother than the subtly textured grip of the original and pleasant to touch. The gamepad isn't completely black like the previous Pro Controller, though; it has light gray accents around the analog sticks, top panel, and shoulder buttons. The package looks and feels a bit more polished than the slightly glossy and partially translucent Switch Pro Controller. The main control layout is almost completely unchanged, with offset analog sticks, large A/B/X/Y face buttons, a plus-shaped direction pad, and two pairs of bumper/trigger buttons. Although they're arranged the same, some components have been refined. The analog sticks are silky smooth in motion and are almost silent when pushed to their limit (instead of tapping loudly against the gamepad's casing). The face buttons and direction pad are also quieter, without losing any of their springiness. The plus and minus buttons are slightly raised, making them easier to press. Subtle refinements are only the start of the upgrades. The Switch 2 Pro also has three important features that the original lacked. First, it joins the Joy-Con 2 controllers in GameChat functionality via a small, square C button located between the direction pad and right analog stick. Like on the Joy-Con 2 pads, this button launches the GameChat menu and lets you start or join voice and video groups. Second, the gamepad has a 3.5mm headset jack just like the DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controller. So, if you have a wired gaming headset, simply plug it into the controller and use it instead of the Switch 2's microphone and your TV's speakers. The jack is located on the gamepad's bottom edge between the grips, where the status LEDs were on the original Pro Controller (those lights are relocated to the top panel next to the USB-C port and pairing button). Third, the Switch 2 Pro Controller follows in the footsteps of other high-end gamepads like the DualSense Edge and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller by adding programmable rear buttons. These GL and GR buttons sit flush on the back of the grips, right where your middle fingers naturally rest. You can set them to act like any single digital control input, such as the face buttons, shoulder buttons, direction pad presses, and analog stick clicks. You access the GL and GR button-mapping menu by holding the Home button for a second. This lets you change what the buttons do with only a few presses. These settings are saved on a per-game basis, which is convenient. For example, you can have GL and GR act as LB and LR in Street Fighter 6 (Drive Impact and Drive Parry) or as LT and RT in Mario Kart World (Items and Drifting). Quick menu GL and GR settings are separate from the full-button remapping available in the Switch 2's Accessibility menu. You can completely rearrange the Pro Controller's controls on a system level and save presets. These customizations are the same across all games and must be manually switched. Besides the physical controls, the Switch 2 Pro Controller has the same extra functions as the first one, including motion controls and an NFC sensor for reading Amiibo. It also has vibration, specifically the same HD Rumble 2 as the Joy-Con 2 controllers, which gives detailed feedback in games that support it. Nintendo estimates the Switch 2 Pro Controller's battery to last about 40 hours between charges, which seems in line with my tests. According to the console, two dozen hours of gaming took the gamepad a bit below the 50% mark. That's comparable with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and far longer than the DualSense Edge's meager six-hour battery life. I played several games with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, and they worked perfectly. Precision platforming in Hollow Knight felt natural, and I could reliably perform moves and counters in Street Fighter 6. The analog sticks made for effortless steering in Mario Kart World, and the motion controls were accurate while aiming in Splatoon 3. The Switch 2 Pro Controller simply feels better as a full gamepad than the Joy-Con 2 in the system's included gamepad grip. It's more comfortable to hold, and its components are better suited to the control style since they aren't designed around Joy-Con 2's modular, portable aspects. Likewise, the directional inputs are better than the Joy-Con 2's; I've already gushed about the tactile response of the analog sticks, but the plus-shaped directional pad is a superior way to input digital directions than the left Joy-Con's four face buttons. The headphone jack worked as expected, too, piping sound through my wired headphones with no problem. That's probably the least important part of the Pro Controller, since the Switch 2 already supports Bluetooth headphones.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Review: A Stellar Ergonomic Mouse
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical mouse is not your average office peripheral. With a design shaped in partnership with ergonomics experts at Humanscale and a high-performance sensor borrowed from Razer's gaming lineup, this mouse is built to deliver both comfort and precision. It targets professionals who want to work longer with less strain, without settling for a basic input device. At $119.99, the Pro Click V2 Vertical lands in premium territory. But in return, it offers a smooth, deliberate experience with build quality and attention to detail that are easy to appreciate over time. The Pro Click V2 Vertical offers a satisfying blend of form and function, earning it our Editors' Choice award for ergonomic mice. The packaging feels like Razer spent significant effort designing it, but it's understated in a way that sets the tone for a professional rather than a gaming audience. Razer's usual neon green is absent. The box is minimal, with clean typography and a soft matte finish. Inside, the mouse is snugly cradled, accompanied by a USB-A wireless dongle and a USB-C-to-USB-A charging cable. There is no unnecessary clutter, which speaks to the product's seriousness. Holding the mouse for the first time confirms that impression. It weighs a substantial 5.29 ounces without feeling heavy, a balance that immediately suggests quality. The matte white plastic body feels smooth, and the soft-touch gray thumb rest offers a stable anchor point. The aesthetic leans toward modern and unobtrusive, fitting neatly into a professional desktop setup without drawing attention. The Pro Click V2's most defining feature is its vertical orientation. It places your hand in a handshake-like position rather than flat on the desk. That orientation reduces forearm pronation and shifts the load off the wrist joint, one of the key contributors to repetitive strain injuries. While vertical mice can sometimes feel like ergonomic experiments, Razer's design is confident. The angle is steep enough to relieve strain but not so extreme that it feels unnatural, placing your hand in a natural handshake position. After a brief adjustment period, it becomes second nature. Over the course of initial testing, the ergonomic benefits become apparent, with reduced wrist tension compared with traditional mice. The button layout is intuitive. Left- and right-click buttons, a clickable scroll wheel, a DPI toggle on top, and multiple side buttons form the core controls. Each button feels well-placed, with crisp, satisfying clicks. Even the scroll wheel has just the right amount of resistance. Nothing feels loose or under-engineered. However, the mouse does not support some advanced scrolling features like HyperScroll free-spin mode or directional tilt scrolling, which some users may miss, that the non-vertical Pro Click V2 offers. That mouse is slightly cheaper, at $99. Build quality is a clear strength. The Pro Click V2 feels like it was constructed with long-term use in mind. Nothing creaks, flexes, or wobbles. The large glide pads on the bottom provide smooth movement across a desk mat or hard surface. Even the act of picking it up and setting it down feels solid. This is not a compact mouse. It favors medium or large hands and takes up noticeable space. That might be a drawback for minimalist setups or travel, but it benefits stability and comfort. The grip is relaxed rather than tense, and the design encourages a whole-hand movement style rather than finger flicking. What truly separates the Pro Click V2 from most other ergonomic mice is the sensor. Razer's Focus Pro 30K optical sensor is a component typically reserved for gaming mice, and its inclusion here is a statement. In testing, we found it delivers precise tracking, even on tricky surfaces like glass or reflective desks. That level of accuracy may seem unnecessary for office work, but it proves its value quickly. Moving between multiple displays, working with pixel-sensitive tasks like design or video editing, and making rapid, fine-tuned selections all benefit from the sensor's fidelity. It never jitters, skips, or hesitates. Adjustable DPI is accessible via a dedicated button, and users can set sensitivity ranges through Razer's Synapse software. Tracking is customizable up to 30,000dpi, which is more than anyone realistically needs for office use, but the granularity lets you tailor performance precisely. Razer's Synapse software allows for full control over button mapping, sensitivity curves, and profiles. You can set up different profiles for each app or device you use and switch among them on the fly. AI Prompt Master functionality is also included, allowing you to assign AI-driven shortcuts to mouse buttons by holding down the DPI button for one second. The software isn't as advanced as Logitech's G Hub or some enterprise-level tools, but it's well put together and works smoothly. It lets you remap buttons to things like keyboard shortcuts, media controls, or navigation, which can really boost your productivity. One small catch: to unlock all of Synapse's features, you'll need to create an account—something that might annoy users who value their privacy. That said, once you're logged in and set up, the software mostly runs quietly in the background. And if you'd rather skip it altogether, the mouse still works fine with basic functions right out of the box. Battery life is a standout feature. Razer claims up to six months of battery life under typical usage conditions. Initial testing suggests these numbers are realistic, with the battery showing minimal drain over extended use periods. Charging is handled via USB-C, and the mouse can be used while charging. The included cable is standard, rather than using a proprietary connector, which is always appreciated. There is no cradle or dock, but given the longevity between charges, that feels unnecessary. The Pro Click V2 supports three connection modes: Bluetooth, USB wireless dongle, and wired USB-C. A small switch on the underside lets you toggle between paired devices. Testing across multiple devices shows seamless switching with no noticeable lag or connectivity drop. This is an ideal setup for users who regularly juggle multiple machines. The HyperSpeed dongle is particularly reliable, offering low-latency performance that is essentially indistinguishable from wired use. If you are using the mouse for fast scrolling or rapid desktop work, you will appreciate the responsiveness. At this price, competitors include the Logitech MX Vertical, Logitech Lift, and Evoluent's VerticalMouse line. The MX Vertical is comparable in size and quality, but its sensor is less capable, and its battery life is shorter. The Lift is a great option for smaller hands, with a friendlier price, but it lacks the Pro Click V2's precision and polish. Evoluent's mice have long dominated the vertical space, especially for users with specific medical needs. However, their aesthetic is dated, and build quality varies between models. The Pro Click V2 feels more contemporary, more consistent, and frankly, more enjoyable to use. If you work at a desk for long hours and care about posture, the Pro Click V2 Vertical is worth considering. It suits coders, editors, analysts, and creative professionals who benefit from precision and long-term comfort. It is not ideal for travel or small workspaces, but it excels at a permanent desk. Gamers might prefer a traditional shape and lighter weight. Left-handed users will need to look elsewhere entirely, which is a real limitation. And if you are looking for the most customizable software suite, Razer's tools may feel modest. But for the majority of professional users, the Pro Click V2 Vertical delivers where it counts.
CNET
30-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
I Highly Recommend This Bluetooth Speaker That's Now 14% Off
I've tested a lot of portable Bluetooth speakers, so I'm used to people asking me for recommendations. I like to point them to our list of the best Bluetooth speakers, but I also mention that I awarded a CNET Editors' Choice to the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 because it's well priced and delivers impressive sound, making it an excellent value. There are plenty of Bluetooth speakers to choose from, but the Soundcore Boom 2 stands out for its compact, waterproof design and great value for the money. Compared with its competitors, this mini boom box speaker is already a good deal at its list price of $140. Right now Amazon has the black model on sale for $120, or 14% off, at Amazon. The deal could go away at any point, so we'd recommend you grab it now if you've had your eye on it. I liked the original Soundcore Motion Boom, which made our list of the best Bluetooth speakers and was one of the better mini boom box Bluetooth speaker values over the last few years, selling for around $80. The 3.66-pound Boom 2 is priced a little higher but sounds substantially better, with more than double the power rating of the original, so it not only plays louder but kicks out more bass and offers better clarity at higher volumes (it's equipped with two tweeters and one subwoofer). It also has a couple of built-in LED lights to help create that party vibe. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Anker Soundcore Boom 2 speaker specs Here are the details about this mini boom box Bluetooth speaker. Drivers: 50-watt, 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15-watt tweeters 50-watt, 4-inch racetrack subwoofer and dual 15-watt tweeters Dimensions: 11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 inches 11.65 x 7.28 x 3.98 inches Weight: 3.66 pounds 3.66 pounds Battery life: Up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels Up to 24 hours at moderate volume levels Bluetooth version: 5.3 (100-foot or 30-meter wireless range) 5.3 (100-foot or 30-meter wireless range) Water-resistance rating: IPX7 (fully waterproof and floatable) IPX7 (fully waterproof and floatable) Additional features : Built-in light show, customizable EQ, PartyCast 2.0 (link additional Anker speakers) : Built-in light show, customizable EQ, PartyCast 2.0 (link additional Anker speakers) Universal remote: Included Roku remote controls most TVs Why I like this Anker speaker The speaker's design isn't terribly sleek or eye-catching, but it's attractive enough and just the right size -- neither too big nor too small -- and you can choose between three color options. It also seems pretty durable, though it doesn't have a dust-resistance rating. The Boom 2 is fully waterproof (IPX7-rated) and floats should it fall into a body of water. Additionally, there's a USB-out port to charge your devices. Battery life is also good. The speaker's rated for up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volume levels (it charges via USB-C, which is good), and you can tweak the sound and customize the lighting with the Soundcore app for iOS and Android. Battery life does dip if you engage the bass boost or activate the LED lighting. Read more: Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Review Another Anker speaker to consider If you're looking for even more powerful sound, Anker makes the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus. A bigger speaker, it puts out more sound with similar features to the Boom 2. However, it costs around $180, and I don't think it sounds twice as good as the Boom 2 (more like 25% to 30% better). Still, it's also a good value. Read more: Best Tech Gifts Under $100 Want to check out the competition? We've tested and reviewed the best Bluetooth speakers for 2025, with Bose, Beats and Soundcore all featuring on our list. And just in case you're on the hunt for a gift, we've put together lists of our editors' picks for the best gifts for Father's Day and the best gifts for grads.
CNET
30-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
I Replaced My $200 Electric Toothbrush With This $50 Oral-B, and I'm Never Going Back
About a year ago, a thief broke into my friend's car and stole my luggage out of it. The most expensive thing in my suitcase? My $200 electric toothbrush. I was devastated (particularly since I had reviewed the toothbrush at a previous job and didn't have to pay for it). So I had to quickly search for a replacement. And what I landed on is the Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush. The Oral-B Pro 1000 is a CNET Editors' Choice Award winner, and our CNET testers rated it their top pick for the best electric toothbrush of 2025. That's a whole lot of accolades for an electric toothbrush that costs just $50, a quarter of the price of my previous model. Now that I've spent plenty of time with it, I can honestly say I don't miss my old one at all -- I'm a complete convert. While the expensive toothbrush came with an app, more settings, a glass cup that charged the toothbrush and a travel case, I actually prefer the Oral-B Pro 1000's simplicity. It's easier to use and doesn't take up as much space. It has one daily cleaning mode and a 2-minute timer that reminds you to move mouth quadrants every 30 seconds. What more could I want out of a toothbrush? The Oral-B Pro 1000 has everything I could possibly want from an electric toothbrush: a brushing timer, pressure sensor, affordable brush head replacements and a compact, travel-friendly charger. Plus, it has the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance, meaning it's fulfilled the ADA's safety and efficacy requirements. Anna Gragert/CNET Oral -B Pro 1000's key features One brushing mode Two-minute brushing timer Pressure sensor Affordable brush head replacements ADA seal of acceptance A powerful and functional brush In my quest to replace my expensive toothbrush, I looked at a lot of different models. What finally sealed the deal was CNET reviewer Caroline Igo's commentary on the Oral-B Pro 1000. She tested 12 models over several weeks, and the Pro 1000 was hands-down her favorite due to its simplicity and "impressive" cleaning abilities. "I hardly had to scrub or brush my teeth on my own," she wrote in her review. "The fast-spinning bristles did most of the work for me. It easily glided across my teeth. The smaller brush head also helped me to get to those hard-to-reach places." If you're an Oral-B fan but want something with more bells and whistles, CNET rated the Oral-B Series 5 the best smart electric toothbrush for 2025. At $120, it's more than double the price of the Pro 1000, but you get five brush modes, 3D teeth tracking and real-time advice on brushing habits. Plus, it's also ADA-accepted. The Pro 1000 makes a great gift You might not ordinarily think of an electric toothbrush as a gift, but hear me out. I'm a big fan of giving gifts that are super practical and will make someone's daily routine easier, and the Oral-B Pro 1000 fits that bill. It's one of those items that people don't always think to buy for themselves, but once they have it, they wonder how they ever lived without this remarkably useful thing. For more great gifts, check out our recommendations for the best gifts for Father's Day and graduation.
CNET
30-05-2025
- General
- CNET
This Cordless Dyson Vacuum Is My Ultimate Spring Cleaning Sidekick, and It's $150 Off
I've got a full-time job, two messy toddlers, a shedding dog and a husband who occasionally tracks in dirt. I think you can see where I'm going with this. Like all busy parents, I find keeping a clean house to be rather challenging. Enter the Dyson V15 cordless vacuum cleaner, a purchase that's been practically life changing. I've tried out a lot of different vacuums at different price ranges, and this model outperforms every single one. The Dyson V15 was awarded a CNET Editors' Choice Award, is on CNET's best cordless vacuums list, and out-suctioned all its stick vacuum competitors in our laboratory testing. That's a whole lot of power and performance, which is what I love about it. And yes, all that performance also comes with a pretty hefty price tag. But right now you can get it for $150 off, which brings the price down to $600. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This is two days' worth of dog hair, which my Dyson can suction up on its highest suction setting from a 500-square-foot section of carpet. Katie Collins/CNET Why I love my Dyson V15 vacuum My Dyson V15 works great for quick clean-ups or deep cleans. Because it's cordless, I appreciate not having to constantly plug and then unplug it when cleaning the upstairs and downstairs in my home. It doesn't take up storage space because the charging docking station is mounted in our garage. It's no surprise to me that the Dyson V15 outperformed most of its competitors during CNET's lab testing. It is now rated as having the best suction performance for a cordless vacuum. My Dyson also cleans my car well My kids' and pets' messes aren't contained to my house so I love how the Dyson easily converts to handheld mode, which comes in handy for suctioning up loose toddler snacks from car seats and car floors. The crevice attachment can reach those in-between spaces in my car and couch cushions. The Dyson V15 converts into a handheld for easy car cleanup. Dyson Washable HEPA filter is a plus I love the washable HEPA cloth filter too. No more running out of replacement filters. Simply wash it and let it dry. I also bought a backup replacement filter to use so I don't have to wait for the original filter to dry before using my beloved Dyson on another mess. I love how easy it is to clean my Dyson HEPA filter. I have two replacement filters on deck in case one is still wet from washing it. Dyson High-performing vacuum with one flaw My one complaint is its battery life when using it on its best suction setting: boost mode. Dyson's boost mode works well picking up my dog's pet hair, but it drains the battery quickly. To clean two stories in boost mode, it needs to recharge to finish the job, and that can take a few hours. Dyson has three power modes for different tasks. The overall battery run time varies based on power mode. I find Boost mode to work best on pet hair but will drain the battery quickly. Dyson/CNET In the middle setting -- auto mode -- I can clean the upstairs and downstairs of my 2,000-square-foot home on a single charge, and it works well on hard floors and pretty well on carpet. Auto mode is fine for in-between cleanings, but boost mode works best for a deep carpet clean. To find some other top-rated vacuums, check out our editors' list of the best vacuums you can buy. We also think this vacuum would make a great gift for a new graduate moving into their first place. For other gifting inspiration, check out our picks for the best gifts for grads.
